When you are shoping for roses, the Hybrid Musk rose will not be shouting out "Pick me, pick me" like its more flamboyant cousins. This does not mean that these quietly understated roses should be overlooked. For me they add a solid background of beauty to the rose garden or shrubbery.

The flowers tend to be simple and small; some are single but most are double. They have attractive prominent stamens and a soft musky perfume. The flowers apear in sprays or clusters on long branches and there are plenty of them. The excellent repeating characteristics of Hybrid Musk roses ensure that the blooms will continue from spring through to autumn even without regular dead heading. Small hips provide ongoing interest into winter.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The dark green foliage is usually glossy and healthy and there are relatively few thorns compared to many other varieties. Hybrid Musks are very hardy and will tolerate poorer soils without making too many demands for extra fuss and attention. Hybrid Musks are versatile and can be used as small climbers, background fillers or informal hedges. Look for some of our reliable favourites:- "Buff Beauty", "Ballerina", "Cornelia" and "Moonlight".

Hybrid Musks probably owe their personality to the man who was responsible for the development of this group of roses - Clergyman Joseph Pemberton from Essex, England. His parishioners were obviously very well behaved as Mr. Pemberton had the time to pursue his passion for rose breeding. He released his first rose on the market in 1913 and continued his breeding work until his death. What a fitting memorial that the modern gardener continues to admire and apreciate his efforts.

Hybrid Musk. Long arching sprays of single, small, pink blooms with a white centre and a soft fragrance. Very dainty and delightful, continuously in bloom. Good ornamental hips in autumn. Superb rose as shrub, pillar or standard. RHS AGM. 1937.

Hybrid Musk. A well known and well loved little climber with fully double blooms varying from buff-yellow to apricot. Really pretty in full flower. Recurrent with a good strong scent. Could be used as a tall bush or small climber. 1939.

Hybrid Musk. When I first started growing roses this was one of my favourites. The small double flowers are produced in large clusters and are a blend of apricot, buff and pink. Nice bronze tones to the foliage and a good musky fragrance. Few thorns. Use as large shrub or small climber. 1925.

Hybrid Musk. Rose lovers use all the superlatives when describing this rose as it is just so lovely. A prolific bloomer with clusters of large, semi-double blooms in tones of blush pink and cream. Handsome foliage and an excellent fragrance complete the picture. Hardy and reliable. 1924.

Penelope will have a display of beautiful hips in autumn if not completely dead-headed.